A MULTITHREADED ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO FATE AND LEGACY IN MANUEL M. PONCE'S VARIATIONS SUR

Abstract

Multithreading, or applying different analytical tools to a piece or work concurrently in order to produce an ultimate deduction. In this presentation, the author analyzes Manuel Ponce’s Variations sur “Folia de España” et Fugue, a sophisticated amalgamation of German counterpoint and French harmony, infused with Spanish music. Utilizing analytical tools such as Sonata theory, Schenkerian analysis, and Hermeneutic discourse, this analysis provides insight into the ways multithreading can produce a holistic analysis without being too broad or narrow. The author first applies a narrative to Ponce’s work, and proposes that its various tonal areas and orchestration are in dialogue with sonata form. The author then uses Schenkerian graphs to support this hypothesis by mapping out the piece’s harmonic landscape and identifying correlations between thematic areas at the deep middleground level. An underlying narrative regarding D minor’s role in the struggle between fate and free will in the piece is discussed.